Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0026764 (multiple myeloma)
 36,148 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Malignant osteolysis is a common complication of many cancers, most notably breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma. Hypercalcemia, pain, and fractures are the main manifestations. Malignant osteolysis can be fatal or cause a rapid deterioration in quality of life. The underlying mechanism in tumor cem-mediated activation of osteoclasts, whose function is normally to resorb bone. It follows that pharmacological agents capable of inhibiting osteoclast activity, including bisphosphonates, are likely to be useful in the treatment of malignant osteolysis. Also, experimental evidence suggest that bisphosphonates act on the tumor cells themselves, either by inhibiting mechanisms involved in the development of bone metastasis (tumor invasion, adhesion of tumor cells to the bone matrix) or by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. Many clinical trials have found bisphophonates to be effective in the treatment of complications due to malignant osteolysis. Based on these studies, bisphosphonates are now indicated to treat hypercalcemia and to prevent skeletal complications of metastatic breast cancer and myeloma, in a dosage of 1600 mg.d orally for clodronate or 90 mg every four weeks intravenously for pamidronate. Osteoclast inhibition is clearly the mechanism underlying the efficacy of bisphosphonates in these clinical trials. Recent clinical trials found that prophylactic bisphosphonates therapy in patients with nonmetastasic breast cancer decreased the incidence of bone metastases, thus supporting a direct effect of biphosphonates on tumor cells. However, conflicting experimental and clinical data have been reported, so that it remains uncertain whether bisphosphonates have anti-tumor effects in vivo in humans. Nevertheless, biphosphonates now have an undisputed place in the therapeutic armamentarium for cancer.
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PMID:Mechanisms of action of bisphosphonates on tumor cells and prospects for use in the treatment of malignant osteolysis. 1077 65

Bisphosphonates have been used successfully for many years in the treatment of hypercalcaemia and to reduce skeletal complications of metastases. In the first years of bisphosphonate use the efficacy of these substances was thought to lie purely in the inhibition of osteoclasts. However, there is recent evidence to suggest that an antitumour effect may also play a role. As well as having an apoptotic and antiproliferative effect on osteoclasts, bisphosphonates may exert a similar influence on macrophages and tumour cells. Whether this effect (at low doses) also plays a role in vivo remains unclear and requires further investigation. Improvements in the survival time of certain subpopulations have been found in many phase III studies with bisphosphonates to date, both in the setting of metastatic breast cancer and in multiple myeloma. However, because survival time in subgroups of patients was neither a primary nor a secondary objective in these studies, these advantages could only be seen as important pointers for future studies. Some preclinical studies have shown that down-regulation of bone metabolism by bisphosphonates is associated with a lower incidence of bone metastases and destruction in animals, whereas activation is correlated with a higher number of metastases. However, varying results were found in animal experiments with regard to the effect of bisphosphonates on the incidence and growth pattern of non-osseous metastases. The results of 3 randomised studies in patients with primary breast cancer who received clodronate 1600 mg/day orally have now been evaluated and presented. All 3 studies arrived at different results. In the Heidelberg study there was a reduction in both osseous and non-osseous metastases, whereas in a much larger study performed in Great Britain, Canada and Scandinavia there was a reduction only in the incidence of skeletal metastases. A third study from Finland found no effect on bone metastases, but an increase in the number of visceral metastases and a deterioration in overall survival. Because the dosage was identical in all 3 studies, the differing results can only be either random or methodological (for example inclusion criteria or sample size). Overall, the results are very promising, but there is a need for further studies.
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PMID:Antitumour effects of bisphosphonates: first evidence and possible mechanisms. 1077 26

Advances in the treatment of invasive cancers continue to improve the longevity of patients who have these diseases; thus, the care of patients who have bone metastases is an issue of the utmost importance to the orthopaedic surgeon. In terms of maintaining the ability to walk, no site of potential metastatic involvement is more crucial than the proximal end of the femur and the acetabulum. Advances in femoral and acetabular implants, imaging modalities, and operative techniques now allow reconstruction of even the most complex acetabular and proximal femoral defects. However, the orthopaedic surgeon must recognize the need to approach management of these patients from a multidisciplinary perspective. The oncologist, radiotherapist, rehabilitation medicine specialist, radiologist, and pathologist each have a role to play. Only through cooperation among all members of the team will a patient who has metastatic disease or a myeloma be given the best possible care.
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PMID:Surgical treatment for metastatic disease of the pelvis and the proximal end of the femur. 1082 99

The report discusses a study of pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyd) as biochemical markers of bone resorption as well as total bone alkaline phosphatase level (APh) and that of its bone fraction as criteria of osteogenesis in skeletal lesions in breast, prostate and lung cancer and multiple myeloma. The investigation established a significantly enhanced Pyd and Dpyd excretion with urine and increased blood-serum APh levels in skeletal cancers (n = 271) as compared with healthy subjects (n = 173) and patients without bone metastases (n = 94). A case has been made for determination of total excretion of Pyd crosslinks of collagen to diagnose bone metastases. Most pronounced hyperenzymemia was found in prostate cancer which points to the leading role of APh as a bone metastasis marker. Pyd and Dpyd excretion and APh levels were significantly higher among patients multiple metastases with than in those with single bone metastases. The universality of pyridinoline crosslinks as skeletal damage markers has been confirmed by establishing a significant correlation between drug and therapeutic effect for Pyd and Dpyd only, in patients receiving ibandronate.
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PMID:[The biochemical markers of bone remodeling in cancer patients with skeletal involvement]. 1097 74

At present, there is sufficient evidence to propose practice guidelines that would include the use of bisphosphonates in the management of hypercalcemia, in breast cancer with bone metastases and multiple myeloma. Future research should concentrate on investigating the adjuvant use of bisphosphonates in breast cancer, particularly in order to find out the adequate target groups. Phase III studies comparing the old and new generation bisphosphonates are important as well as trials comparing the other palliative regimens with bisphosphonates. A widespread use of bisphosphonates would have a major impact on drug budgets. Does the cost of achieved palliation represent the optimal use of resources when compared with other possible options for palliation? This issue has not become easier with the emerging new expensive regimens in oncology. An economical analysis, ideally in the setting of randomized trials, is needed.
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PMID:Use of bisphosphonates in skeletal metastasis. 1104 Nov 6

Metastatic bone disease develops as a result of the many interactions between tumor cells and bone cells. This leads to disruption of normal bone metabolism, with the increased osteoclast activity seen in most, if not all, tumor types providing a rational target for treatment. The clinical course of metastatic bone disease in multiple myeloma, breast and prostate cancers is relatively long, with patients experiencing sequential skeletal complications over a period of several years. These include bone pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and spinal cord compression, all of which may profoundly impair a patient's quality of life. External beam radiotherapy and systemic endocrine and cytotoxic treatments are the mainstay of treatment in advanced cancers. However, it is now clear that the bisphosphonates provide an additional treatment strategy, which reduces both the symptoms and complications of bone involvement. Additionally, new specific molecules such as osteoprotogerin have been developed that are based on our improved understanding of the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in cancer-induced bone disease. These potent molecules are now entering clinical trials. Ongoing research is aimed at trying to define the optimum route, dose, schedule and type of bisphosphonate in metastatic bone disease and its use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in cancer patients. In vitro suggestions of direct anticancer activity and some promising clinical data in early breast cancer have resulted in considerable interest in the possible adjuvant use of bisphosphonates to inhibit the development of bone metastases.
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PMID:Management of bone metastases. 1111 May 97

Metastatic bone disease develops as a result of the many interactions between tumour cells and bone cells. This leads to disruption of normal bone metabolism, with the increased osteoclast activity seen in most, if not all, tumor types providing a rational target for treatment. The clinical course of metastatic bone disease in multiple myeloma, breast and prostate cancers is relatively long, with patients experiencing sequential skeletal complications over a period of several years. These include bone pain, fractures, hypercalcaemia, and spinal cord compression, all of which may profoundly impair a patient's quality of life. External beam radiotherapy and systemic endocrine and cytotoxic treatments are the mainstay of treatment in advanced cancers. However, it is now clear that the bisphosphonates provide an additional treatment strategy, which reduces both the symptoms and complications of bone involvement. Pamidronate (Aredia(TM)) is the most widely evaluated bisphosphonate and is recommended for most patients with multiple myeloma or breast cancer with bone metastases. Current research aims include the evaluation of new potent bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (Zometa(TM)). It is hoped that this compound is not only more convenient and easier to administer but also more effective in inhibiting skeletal morbidity. Zometa may also have some direct anticancer activity. Preclinical studies with Zometa have demonstrated its potential in malignant bone disease. Clinical studies in treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy have been completed, as have Phase I and II trials in patients with cancer and pre-existing bone metastases. Three randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase III trials are now ongoing to establish the efficacy and safety of Zometa in treatment of bone metastases in patients with osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions. Additionally, new specific molecules such as osteoprotogerin have been developed that are based on our improved understanding of the cellular signalling mechanisms involved in cancer induced bone disease. These potent molecules are now entering clinical trials. Ongoing research is aimed at trying to define the optimum route, dose, schedule and type of bisphosphonate in metastatic bone disease and their use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in cancer patients. In vitro suggestions of direct anti-cancer activity and some promising clinical data in early breast cancer have resulted in considerable interest in the possible adjuvant use of bisphosphonates to inhibit the development of bone metastases.
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PMID:Optimising treatment of bone metastases by Aredia(TM) and Zometa(TM). 1111 66

In the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM), the clinician must exclude other disorders in which a plasma cell reaction may occur such as rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disorders, or metastatic carcinoma where the patient may have osteolytic lesions associated with bone metastases. Patients with smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have none of the complicating features of MM and do not require treatment with potentially toxic agents. The plasma cell labeling index can help make a differential diagnosis of MM from SMM. Patients with a high labeling index have a high risk of complications and should be monitored carefully. However, the labeling index can be low in active MM. In addition, SMM or MGUS patients have few or no circulating plasma cells. High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell support prolong overall survival in contrast to conventional therapy. If stem cell transplantation is considered, it is important to harvest the cells before using alkylating agents to obtain a sufficient number of cells. Supportive treatment consists of the occasional use of erythropoietin to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels and adequate hydration to protect renal function. Vaccination against pneumococcal infections and the prophylactic use of antibiotic therapy during the first 2 months of treatment can be beneficial. Recognizing the symptoms of spinal cord compression and initiating dexamethasone therapy promptly to prevent paraplegia are critical.
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PMID:Multiple Myeloma. Diagnostic challenges and standard therapy. 1130 3

Preclinical studies with zoledronic acid (Zometa; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, East Hanover, NJ) have shown its potential in malignant bone disease. Clinical studies in the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy have been completed, as have phase I and II trials in patients with cancer and pre-existing bone metastases. Three randomized, double-blind, controlled phase III trials are ongoing to establish the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid in the treatment of osteolytic and osteoblastic bone metastases. In one study, 4 mg zoledronic acid is compared with the standard therapy, 90 mg pamidronate, in treatment of osteolytic lesions in patients with breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Two other studies, one in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastases and another in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and other tumor types, are placebo-controlled. The primary end point in all three studies is the frequency of skeletal complications resulting from bone metastases. Adjuvant trials that assess the ability of zoledronic acid to prevent or reduce the incidence of bone metastases in patients at high risk for future skeletal metastasis are also planned or ongoing. The rationale and design of these ongoing and planned studies is discussed.
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PMID:The role of zoledronic acid in cancer: clinical studies in the treatment and prevention of bone metastases. 1134 60

Zoledronic acid (Zometa, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, East Hanover, NJ) is a new, highly potent bisphosphonate that may provide improved management of skeletal complications in cancer patients with bone metastases. A total of 383 cancer patients with osteolytic bone lesions was evaluated in two phase I studies and one phase II study of zoledronic acid. The phase I studies used two dosing regimens, either a 5-minute monthly intravenous infusion of 0.1 to 8 mg administered for 3 or more months or a single 30 to 60 second intravenous bolus of 1 to 16 mg. Zoledronic acid was well tolerated in the two phase I studies and a maximum tolerated dose was not reached in either study. A dose-dependent decrease in urinary markers of bone resorption was observed with the monthly 5-minute infusion. A single intravenous bolus of doses ranging from 2 to 16 mg zoledronic acid suppressed biochemical markers of bone resorption for up to 8 weeks. The phase II study evaluated a 5-minute infusion of 0.4, 2, or 4 mg zoledronic acid and a 2-hour infusion of 90 mg pamidronate in 280 patients with bone metastases and multiple myeloma or breast cancer. Significantly fewer patients receiving the 2 and 4 mg doses of zoledronic acid or 90 mg pamidronate required radiation therapy to bone than those patients receiving a 0.4 mg dose of zoledronic acid. Only 30% to 35% of patients in the 2 and 4 mg zoledronic acid groups or in the pamidronate group experienced any skeletal related event compared with 46% in the 0.4 mg zoledronic acid group. Adverse events consistent with an acute phase reaction were observed with both bisphosphonates. No new, unexpected adverse events were observed with this novel bisphosphonate. These studies support the further evaluation of zoledronic acid in cancer patients with osteolytic metastases. Doses of 0.4 mg or less are ineffective, while rapid infusion of more than 8 mg may increase the risk of renal dysfunction. A 4 mg dose given as a brief infusion appears to offer an excellent benefit/risk ratio for further evaluation in phase III trials.
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PMID:Zoledronic acid in cancer patients with bone metastases: results of Phase I and II trials. 1134 62


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